Starting about a year ago, I started working on developing a story for a MU. The goal was to make something in the Chronicles of Darkness setting, liking using Changeling. Since then, I've ditched the CofD and Changeling stuff, and started working on my own unique world. Most of the development up until this point has been the cosmology and ancient history of the world, with the goal of setting the "live" story in this developed world.
Now, I am not saying I'm making a MU. This could end up a table top game, a story, or anything else. But it could also end up a MU! I'm tickled with the idea of learning real (as in, not MUSHcode) coding with a real project.
So, I wanted to ask you all what seemed like a more exciting setting (and potentially a more enjoyable MU). Note that both of these settings would be unique - I am surely borrowing from a lot of stuff, but they will be mostly original, and the RPG system to back them would likely be original, too.
Setting 1: The Cyber/Steam Punk Low Fantasy World (like Final Fantasy VII)
A blend between low fantasy and various cyber/steam punk elements, ala Final Fantasy VII. There would be guns powered by strange forces no one really understands, and they would be rare and expensive. Swords (and the like) would be the most common means of defense. Magic would be rare and prized, and most of the "science" of the world would be studying the magic left behind by a race of Angels that has left the world.
- Pros:
- Modernish technology in some places: crystals that can send brief messages, trains that run on mystical energy, a lot of freedom to have anything be "in theme"
- A very fictional world is easier to free from common misconceptions, biases, etc.
- I love Final Fantasy VII.
- Cons:
- A LOT of writing, and no real-world equivalent to lean on.
- Possibly low appeal, as people tend to enjoy stuff they're already comfortable in?
Setting 2: Steam Punk Magic 1890s St. Petersburg, Russia. (Disney's Anastasia meets Studio Ghibli's Castle In The Sky and yes some Penny Dreadful blended in.)
Turn of the century tech meets magic and steam punk tech. This setting isn't too far from the above, the major difference I see is in how common "technology" is, and how the life of the average person is different. There'd be fewer swords and horses, more guns and the beginnings of cars. As above, magic would exist, but would be rare and prized. There would still be left-behinds from an ancient race of angels that influence society - though modern tech would be replacing angel artifacts (Ex: Why use this ridiculously expensive communication crystal when you can send an electric telegraph?).
- Pros:
- Real world examples to lean on and more media examples to draw upon.
- Turn-of-the-century is when (imho) modern tech really came into it's own. People wouldn't need to be guessing what type of ink and pens existed, what type of paint could be used, sterilization was a thing, etc.
- Who hasn't watched Anastasia like 7 times in 7 days and went 'that'd be an awesome setting for a MUSH'?! (I have a 4 y/o daughter okay)
- Cons:
- Might be even harder to erase assumptions, biases, etc, that people bring in from RL knowledge.
- I might have to deal with: "yes, that existed at the time but no it doesn't exist here" and "no, please do not phonetically type out a Russian accent" and I might go insane.
- Isn't a fantasy setting, isn't a modern setting. People seem to prefer one or the other, and this might miss both groups entirely.
So, thanks for everyone who actually read all that! I thought I could add a poll but it says I can't, so I'll just link one: https://goo.gl/forms/Dxz4GuLufgTce36g2
Or reply, and let me know your thoughts. Add to my list of pros and cons. Tell me about the one time you played on a MU* with a similar setting and it sucked. Whatever you want!
